Nadal, who has claimed 11 Grand Slam titles, is set to feature in Brazil next. PHOTO: REUTERS
“I’m happy to play a singles match after so long,” said Nadal. “I need days and time to get my game back, but so far the feeling on court is great. For now the most important thing is to spend as much time as possible on court. This victory allows me to play at least two more matches, singles and doubles.”
The 11-time Grand Slam champion from Spain had not played singles since a shock second-round exit from Wimbledon in June. A torn tendon and inflammation in his left knee had kept him out of the London Olympics and the 2012 US Open, while a virus further delayed his return to action this year.
The rust was showing as Nadal, now ranked fifth in the world, dropped his serve in the first game of the match and quickly fell into a 0-2 hole to the left-handed Argentine.
But he rebounded in style against 128th-ranked Delbonis, regaining the break in the fourth game before prevailing in a hard-fought eighth game to give himself a chance to serve for the opening set. He raced to a 4-0 lead in the second, seeming to move with ease around the sun-splashed red clay court. He locked up the match after 87 minutes coming up with four aces and facing just one break point.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2013.
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